Who is this choice relevant to?

Travellers keeping an eye on fibre

You’re looking for a wholemeal roll that’s clearly labelled as such, and want to compare the fibre content per 100 g. You don’t automatically treat ‘multigrain’ as meaning ‘wholemeal’.

Travellers setting off without an oven stop

You want to fill a roll and take it with you without having to bake it on the way. A bake-at-home option only works if you can prepare it before setting off.

Shoppers checking ingredients for a group

You want to check which grains and allergens the rolls contain before buying, and whether the packaging warns that other allergens may be present.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you can bake the rolls before setting off. Then compare the wholemeal claims and labels on the rolls that fit your plans.

Fresh and ready to eat

A good fit if: you’re buying shortly before setting off and don’t want to prepare rolls on the way.

Bear in mind: the time between buying and eating them, and the use-by information on the packaging.

Bake before you go

A good fit if: you have the time and equipment to prepare the rolls at home before setting off.

Bear in mind: the cooking instructions and, for frozen options, the storage temperature before baking.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal and fibre Read the product description and ingredients list; compare the fibre content per 100 g. If I’m specifically looking for a wholemeal roll, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. For around 36% of consumers, a clear wholemeal claim and fibre information are the top priorities.
Ready to eat or bake-at-home Check whether the roll is ready to eat or needs baking, and follow the cooking and storage instructions. If I can’t bake while travelling, I want a roll that’s ready before I set off. Convenience and being able to eat it straight away are the biggest priorities for around 29% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements on the packaging. If I’m buying for someone who needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know exactly what’s in the roll. Around 21% of consumers give this the highest priority.
Portions and availability Check how many rolls are in the pack and whether the shop where you’ll buy them before setting off stocks them. If I’m buying for several travellers, I want to take enough rolls without ending up with an unsuitable pack. For around 14% of consumers, portion size and finding a convenient place to buy them are the main concerns.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ bread is made with at least three types of grain. That doesn’t, by itself, mean the grain ingredients are wholemeal.

    Look for the word ‘wholemeal’, read the ingredients list, then compare the fibre content per 100 g.

  • Planning to bake rolls in the car

    A pre-baked frozen roll isn’t a ready-to-eat snack. According to Jumbo, the Jumbo option described here must be stored at −18 °C and baked for six minutes at 200 °C.

    Bake rolls like these before setting off and let them cool before packing. Otherwise, choose a roll that’s ready to eat.

  • Relying on the product page alone

    Ingredients, nutritional information and allergen statements can change. The range may also vary from shop to shop.

    Check the packaging just before buying and make sure the option you want is available where you plan to shop.

  • Assuming every roll contains iodised salt

    Baker’s salt contains iodine, but according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread doesn’t have to be baked with baker’s salt.

    If you want to know which salt a particular roll contains, check the ingredients on the packaging.

Brands and product ranges to consider

The products listed differ in how they’re prepared, their ingredients and their packaging. Check the latest product information for the option you’re buying.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists a ready-to-eat AH Pistolet volkoren and a larger Liefde & Passie desem pistolet volkoren.

  • According to Albert Heijn, the standard roll contains 100% wholemeal flour, 7,1 g of fibre per 100 g and iodised salt; it weighs 70 g. The sourdough option weighs 115 g and also lists 7,1 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The sourdough option contains extra grains and seeds. Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for both options.

Jumbo

The Jumbo Volkoren Pistolets described here are pre-baked frozen rolls for baking at home.

  • Jumbo lists 6,7 g of fibre per 100 g and iodised salt. The rolls should be stored at −18 °C and baked for six minutes at 200 °C.
  • Jumbo says this option is no longer available in its online range. Check what’s currently stocked in store if you’re looking for these rolls.

PLUS

According to the product description, PLUS Pistolets meergranen are pre-baked wholemeal multigrain rolls.

  • PLUS lists 56% wholemeal wheat flour and 7 g of fibre per 100 g. According to the product information, you can bake the rolls in an air fryer for four minutes or in an oven for eight to ten minutes.
  • This option contains several gluten-containing grains and may contain soya, milk and sesame. Check the packaging, especially if you’re buying for someone with an allergy.

Dirk

Dirk lists 1 de Beste Pistolet rustiek meergranen as a bake-at-home product.

  • The pack shown contains four rolls, with a combined weight of 300 g.
  • ‘Multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that these rolls are wholemeal. Check the product description and ingredients if wholemeal is what you’re looking for.

Lidl

Lidl’s fresh-from-the-oven range may be worth considering if you’re buying fresh rolls shortly before setting off.

  • Lidl lists, among other items, a wholemeal bun and a white roll.
  • A wholemeal bun isn’t the same product as a wholemeal roll. Lidl also says its range may vary by store, so check the product name and shelf label in store.

ALDI

ALDI lists fresh rolls and bake-at-home rolls that you can check before setting off.

  • The range shown includes a white roll and a wholemeal bun as separate products.
  • The wholemeal description for the bun doesn’t automatically apply to the roll. Check the name and ingredients of the roll you’re actually buying.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a multigrain roll automatically wholemeal?

No. ‘Multigrain’ and ‘wholemeal’ don’t mean the same thing. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ bread contains at least three types of grain. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that, for a product to be wholemeal, all of its grain ingredients must be wholemeal flour. So check the product description and ingredients for the roll.

Can I take a frozen roll as a snack without baking it?

Not if the packaging says it needs baking first. For the frozen wholemeal rolls described here, Jumbo specifies storage at −18 °C and baking for six minutes at 200 °C. Bake them before setting off or choose a roll that’s ready to eat.

How should I store rolls I’ve bought in advance?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging for the specific rolls. For bread you won’t use straight away, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests freezing it in portions as soon as you buy it. Check the condition of the bread before eating it.

Does every Dutch roll contain iodised baker’s salt?

No. Baker’s salt contains iodine, but according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread doesn’t have to be baked with baker’s salt. Albert Heijn and PLUS list iodised salt for the options mentioned here; for other rolls, check the ingredients on the packaging.

Where can I check for gluten and other allergens?

Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed in the ingredients of pre-packed foods, including the types of gluten-containing grain used.